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Proper 19

September 13, 2026 · Three-Year Lectionary · Series A

First Reading: Gen. 50:15–21 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

KJV Scripture text

¹⁵ And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. ¹⁶ And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, ¹⁷ So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. ¹⁸ And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. ¹⁹ And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. ²¹ Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Psalm: Psalm 103:1–12 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

KJV Scripture text

A Psalm of David.

¹ Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

² Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

³ Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

⁴ Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

⁵ Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

⁸ The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

⁹ He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

¹⁰ He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

¹¹ For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Epistle: Rom. 14:1–12 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

KJV Scripture text

¹ Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. ² For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. ³ Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. ⁴ Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. ⁵ One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. ⁶ He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. ⁷ For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. ⁸ For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. ⁹ For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. ¹⁰ But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ¹¹ For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. ¹² So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Gospel: Matt. 18:21–35 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

KJV Scripture text

²¹ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

²³ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. ²⁴ And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. ²⁵ But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. ²⁶ The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ²⁷ Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. ²⁸ But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. ²⁹ And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ³⁰ And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. ³¹ So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. ³² Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: ³³ Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? ³⁴ And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. ³⁵ So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Proper 19

Three-Year Lectionary · Series A

About this service

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matt. 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant” and “forgive your brother from your heart” (Matt. 18:33, 35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood. Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Rom. 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Rom. 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Gen. 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones” (Gen. 50:21).

Source: LCMS Worship, Lectionary Summaries — Three-Year Lectionary Series A (opens in a new tab). Used by permission. These pages may be reproduced for congregational use only. Commercial reproduction, or reproduction for sale of this work or any portion of this work, without the written permission of the copyright holder, is prohibited. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Scripture quoted in the summary is from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Introit, Gradual and Verse

Introit: Psalm 143:1–2 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
Antiphon: Psalm 143:9 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
Gradual (seasonal): Psalm 34:9, 19 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)
Verse: Matthew 6:14 (read in KJV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Source: LCMS Three-Year Series (A) Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.

Prayers of the Church

Prayers of the Church for September 13, 2026 — Responsive Form

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Gracious King, we stand in need of Your mercy. Spare us those punishments which we, by our sins, have deserved. Soften our hearts toward one another, that we would share in the forgiveness You deliver to us today. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We give You thanks, heavenly Father, for the reconciliation You have given us through Christ. Bless our Synod and those who lead it, including Matthew, our Synod president; our Synod’s Board of Directors; and all others who have been called to serve, that we may be united in witnessing to Your love in Christ Jesus. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, You have commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us and to pray for those who persecute us. Lead all enemies of Your Church to true repentance, that they may know the truth of Your Word, confess Christ as the only way of salvation, and finally have a share in the eternal life that He has prepared for all who trust in Him. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, You sent the greater Joseph, Christ Jesus, to forgive His murderous brothers. Build our homes upon that same mercy, that in them brother and sister, husband and wife, parent and child may live together in peace and give witness to the glory of God’s gracious ways. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty Lord, You brought Joseph to rule and shepherd Egypt. Raise up new Josephs among us. Clothe them with Your wisdom and might to forgive their enemies, convert the wicked and preserve order in a fallen world. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of life and death, You are master of all goods and ills in this life, and You hold in Your hands all who suffer in the fellowship of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Comfort them, [as well as _____________,] and let us confess that, whether we live or die, we belong to You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Lord, lead us to pursue reconciliation, that we may stand before You forgiven and united in faith. Give us unity of doctrine, and help us to walk together in harmony of life. Prepare us to receive the Holy Communion with faith, and bring to fruition in our lives the precious gift of grace we receive in His body and blood. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Master, You are always ready to forgive, though we deserve only punishment. Press the proclamation of this eager love deeply into our hearts, that we, too, may sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series A 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Prayers of the Church for September 13, 2026 — Ektene Form

In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For hearts softened by the forgiveness of God, that we may gladly serve and forgive one another, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For our Synod and all who lead it, including Matthew, our Synod president, and our Synod’s Board of Directors, that they and we may be united in witnessing to the love of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For the enemies of the Church, that they may be led to true repentance, confess Christ as the only way of salvation, and finally have a share in the eternal life He has prepared for all who trust in Him, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For likeness to our brother Christ Jesus, the greater Joseph, who extended pardon to His murderous brothers, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children, that our homes may give witness to the glory of God’s gracious ways, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That God would raise up new Josephs among us, clothed with His wisdom and might, to forgive their enemies, convert the wicked and preserve order in a fallen world, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For those who suffer in this life, [including _____________,] that they would find comfort in Christ who is Lord of goods and ills alike, even of life and death, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For the gift of reconciliation, that we may stand before God forgiven and united in faith, doctrine and life; and for the faithful reception of Christ’s Holy Communion, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Hymn of the Day

LSB 501 Come Down, O Love Divine

The LCMS Hymn of the Day list appoints this hymn as the Hymn of the Day for Proper 19 (Series A).

Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn of the Day — Arranged by Church Year, p. 169 (opens in a new tab). Appointment identity only. Lutheran Service Book text and LCMS study content are not reproduced.

Suggested hymns

Entrance LSB 788 Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness
Distribution LSB 697 Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death
Distribution LSB 628 Your Table I Approach
Closing LSB 845 Where Charity and Love Prevail

Source: LCMS Worship, Hymn Suggestions — Three-Year Lectionary Series A 2025–26 (opens in a new tab). Hymn numbers and titles only; hymn texts are not reproduced. Reproduction for individual, church or school use does not require permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Browse LCMS Hymn of the Day lists and studies